With 40 days to go until full customs controls and changes for importers and exporters around the movement of goods are introduced, we have rounded up the key points hauliers and carriers need to know.
The Goods Vehicle Movement System
The Goods Vehicle Movement System (GVMS), a UK government IT platform for coordinating the movement of vehicles, will be amongst the procedures coming into force from 1 January 2022.
The new system is estimated to process 400 million customs declarations per year and primarily affects hauliers, customs brokers and clearing agents moving goods into or out of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Hauliers that move goods into Great Britain from the EU currently only need to use the GVMS if the goods are under the Common Transit Convention but from 1 January 2022, the GVMS will need to be used to get any goods that you move through a port in the UK through customs.
Businesses using the GVMS must ensure that their entry summary declaration is submitted either at the minimum timing requirement or before check-in closes to allow for the movement reference number of the declaration to be recorded in the Goods Movement Reference and validated by the carrier at check-in.
Customs Declaration Service
The current Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight system, more commonly known as CHIEF, is being replaced by a new digital system. The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) will replace CHIEF for imports from 30 September 2022 and for exports from 31 March 2023, after which CHIEF will be discontinued.
While this change is more relevant to customs brokers, businesses should be aware that more detailed information will be required for import and export declarations as UK and EU customs increase scrutiny of goods moving across borders. The CDS digital records will be more traceable and therefore, it is important that all paperwork, proof of due diligence, origin, VAT and duty payments are in order to ensure compliance.
Safety and security declarations
Since 1 October 2021, safety and security declarations have been in place for goods leaving Great Britain in vehicles and for empty containers, pallets and vehicles moving to the EU under a transport contract.
From 1 July 2022, these safety and security declarations will become due on goods being imported from the EU and other territories that weren’t previously required to. These changes reflect the existing model for trade already in place between Great Britain and countries outside of the EU.
Safety and security data for imports is submitted by the lodgement of an entry summary declaration (ENS), providing information on the cargo, EORI numbers of the shipper and consignee, item commodity codes, number of packages, container and seal numbers, incoterms and weight of the goods.
It is the responsibility of the carrier or the operator of the active means of transport on or in which the goods are brought into Great Britain and Northern Ireland to submit the ENS declaration. This will be the:
- Rail Freight Operator for rail
- Shipping company for sea
- Airline for air
- Haulage company for accompanied roll on, roll off goods
- Ferry operator for unaccompanied roll on off goods
Sometimes, a third party with the carrier’s knowledge and consent may lodge an ENS declaration but it is still the carrier’s responsibility to make sure that it is submitted within the legal time limits. Safety and security declarations are an important part of customs authorities’ risk assessment process and the timely submission of complete and accurate data can help your goods flow through the border more smoothly.
How can the Chamber help?
Chambers Wales South East South West and Mid offer a customs declaration brokerage service for importers and exports, regardless of size or location. With a wealth of trade experience and expertise, the Chamber can help businesses complete compliant customs declarations to the highest standard in an accurate and timely manner to keep your goods moving.
